The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III in the Role of Shimada Jūzaburō, from the series "Image of Actors on Stage"
Toyokuni's series "Kabuki Actors on Stage" was published between 1794 and 1796. In contrast to his rival To-shu-sai Sharaku, who exaggerated actors' climactic poses (mie) in close-up images, Toyokuni portrayed actors standing in relaxed poses. From the
late eighteenth century on, Toyokuni and his numerous Utagawa-school disciples dominated the production of ukiyo-e prints of Kabuki stars.
Toyokuni here presents Sawamura Sōjūrō III (1753–1801) in the role of Shimada Jūzaburō in the play Faithful Courtesans in Yoshiwara. The actor's trousers are decorated with a simplified chrysanthemum design and a stylized pattern of water known as kanze mizu, which became closely associated with Sōjūrō III and influenced textile fashion more widely. A Noh robe decorated with the kanze mizu pattern is on view in this gallery. The simplified background and kimono patterns enhance the arrested image of the actor.
late eighteenth century on, Toyokuni and his numerous Utagawa-school disciples dominated the production of ukiyo-e prints of Kabuki stars.
Toyokuni here presents Sawamura Sōjūrō III (1753–1801) in the role of Shimada Jūzaburō in the play Faithful Courtesans in Yoshiwara. The actor's trousers are decorated with a simplified chrysanthemum design and a stylized pattern of water known as kanze mizu, which became closely associated with Sōjūrō III and influenced textile fashion more widely. A Noh robe decorated with the kanze mizu pattern is on view in this gallery. The simplified background and kimono patterns enhance the arrested image of the actor.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III in the Role of Shimada Jūzaburō, from the series "Image of Actors on Stage"
- Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769–1825)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: ca. 1795
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 14 1/8 x 9 1/2 in. (35.9 x 24.1 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
- Object Number: JP2720
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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